transplanting « Tag

Tomato seeds that were planted in January are in a dire need to be moved to a new location.

A good way to tell if they are ready to be transplanted is if there are two to three sets of true leaves on the tomato seedlings.

If the plants have the correct number of leaves, it is time to move on up.

While one may feel the best approach is to move up to a very large container, this is not the best choice. A larger container provides too much room for proper root development. The best approach is to upsize to a 4 or 6-inch container.

Before doing the move, a soil mixture will have to be made. This is made from 4 parts compost, 2 parts peat moss, and 1 part each of vermiculite and perlite. Mix this soil mixture in a large bucket and place a cover over it until ready to use.

Next thoroughly wash the containers that are going to be used. Place them in a solution of one gallon of water to one cap full of bleach. Rinse the containers completely in clean water and place outside to dry in the bright sunlight. Allowing the containers to dry Read the rest of this entry »

Actually the deeper you plant and the more “teased” the roots are the stronger the plant will be for the growing season.

As stated before one of the most important decisions one needs to make is location.

Tomatoes need at least 8 hours of full sun per day. If that is not possible then red plastic needs to be used as a “landscape cloth” to maximize UV light. Another factor that needs to be considered is water.

If where you plan to plant your tomatoes is not near a water source then accommodations need to be made. Inconsistent watering has caused the loss of many tomatoes to bottom-rot. Once these decisions have been made planting your tomato plant is simple.

Transplanting is one of those crucial tasks that can make or break a gardener.

This task can be made easier and more successful if these simple steps are followed depending on how one’s seeds were planted.

Supplies

Plant labels

Waterproof marker

Potting soil

Larger cell packs (4-packs) or containers

Fertilizer 5-10-10, or 10-10-10

Water system such as watering can or watering hose

Cell Packs

If your seeds were started in cell packs it is not a difficult tasks to transplant these seedlings. First you need to make sure they are ready to be transplanted. The determining factor is the number of leaves. Read the rest of this entry »

Perhaps your gardening needs have changed or maybe you just need to make space for new plants and you’re thinking to move your grown tomato plant.

Will it survive the move?

Honestly, the odds aren’t good. Tomato plants tend to get attached to where they grow, quite literally. But if you don’t have a choice and it’s move it or lose it anyway, here are some tips on transplanting a large tomato plant:Read the rest of this entry »